The bowl loss will go down as SDSU’s final game as a member of the Mountain West Conference, before they join the reconstituted Pac-12 next season.Still, the 9-win season and bowl appearance came as a major turnaround for SDSU head coach Sean Lewis in his second season with the team.

USA TODAY is covering all the action from kickoff to trophy ceremony, but there's still time to experience the game in-person. Here's everything you need to know about the New Mexico Bowl before the Mean Green and Aztecs take the field.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It was an explosive offensive performance for San Diego State, but the Aztec defense was no match for No. 22 North Texas in Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl.

College football fans suggested that the New Mexico Lobos scored a touchdown with their turquoise uniforms for the Rate Bowl against Minnesota.

It wasn't Minnesota's most impressive win of the season, but Friday's 20-17 overtime Rate Bowl victory over New Mexico generated plenty of reason to be excited for 2026. Let's take a look at the top performers and notable snap counts from Minnesota's ninth straight bowl game win.

Mankato native Jalen Smith's touchdown catch in overtime lifted the Gophers to a win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field.

The New Mexico Lobos battle the Minnesota Golden Gophers Friday in the Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. Kickoff at Chase Field is at 4:30 p.m.